Everything You Need to Know About The Maryland Racing Commission

The Maryland Racing Commission is the licensing body for all corporations, associations and individuals hosting any horse racing event within the state of Maryland, in the USA. The licensing of the Maryland Racing Commission applies to horse racing that permits wagering for purses, stakes and rewards of any size. The Maryland Racing Commission also regulates satellite simulcast betting (SSB) and intertrack betting within its jurisdiction.

Established nearly a century ago in 1920, the Maryland Racing Commission is based in Towson, Maryland.

The MRC’s Regulatory Functions

All regulations with regard to horse races are devised by the Maryland Racing Commission and the conduct thereof is officiated by the MRC’s judges and stewards.

Also included in the regulatory functions of the Maryland Racing Commission are purse sizes, admission fees, and the cost of any goods sold at Maryland horse racing meets. In accordance with MRC regulations, all individuals involved in horse racing within the State must be licensed with the Maryland Racing Commission. Individuals who operate under assumed names must use these names when they register with the Commission, requesting permission to use the names in question.

Maryland Racing Commission Members

Nine members are appointed to the board of the Maryland Racing Commission every four years. These appointments are made at the discretion of the State Governor and cannot be confirmed without State consent.

Maryland Racing Commission regulations stipulate that no more than six Commission members may belong to the same political party and a minimum of three members must be knowledgeable regarding and/or have experience of the practise of thoroughbred horse racing and three with regard to harness racing. The Maryland Racing Commission Executive Director is appointed by the Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation whilst the Chairperson is designated by the Governor.

As stipulated by Maryland Annotated Code Business Regulation Article, Sections 11-201 through 11-214, Authorisation for the Maryland Racing Commission is set to continue until 1 July 2012.

MRC Race Tracks and SSB Facilities

There are four race tracks that fall under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission. They are as follows:

Laurel Park in Laurel, MA

Pimilico Race Course in Baltimore, MA

Timonium Race Course in Timonium, MA

Fair Hill Races in Elkton, MD

The Maryland Racing Commission also has jurisdiction over the following harness tracks:

Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD

Ocean Downs in Berlin, MA

In addition, there are five Satellite Simulcast Betting facilities within the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission. They are as follows:

Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, MD

Riverboat on the Potomac in Colonial Beach, VA

Pimilico Race Course in Baltimore, MA

Timonium Fair Grounds in Lutherville, MD

Boone Restaurant in Boonsboro, MD

Maryland Racing Commission Sub-Committees

The Maryland Racing Commission oversees several sub-committees, including the following: